Chapter 74 : Kazuhiko and Tsunade?

With Tsunade by his side, Kazuhiko felt that these days passed by quickly. Conversations with Tsunade felt effortless, and their daily journey resembled a leisurely stroll.

Thanks to Kazuhiko's deliberate efforts, his relationship with Tsunade continued to grow stronger. Even the once-dreaded long journey no longer bothered him; in fact, he found himself wanting it to last longer.

However, a haunting incident left an indelible mark on their hearts. As they passed through a small village, they discovered it completely deserted, with only one body buried in the back mountains. 

A small arm, belonging to a child aged five or six, protruded from a massive pit of corpses. The level of decay suggested that this tragedy had occurred within the past two days.

Kazuhiko ordered the group to retrieve the bodies and give them proper burials, and then they continued on their way. The once-lively conversations between Kazuhiko and Tsunade were replaced by silence.

"This could have been the work of nearby bandits or wandering ninja. Sadly, such occurrences are all too common in the ninja world," commented one of the elders, trying to break the silence.

Suddenly, Kazuhiko halted the group, turned around, and headed back to the deserted village, leaving everyone bewildered.

Soon, they uncovered the group of bandits responsible for burying the entire village alive. The leaders of the bandits were two renegades. Kazuhiko didn't utter a word; he allowed his clan members to deal with them, ensuring no survivors remained.

The rebels and bandits were caught off guard by the swift attack. The battle ended quickly, and as a precaution against the spread of disease, their corpses were incinerated with a Great Fireball Technique.

Kazuhiko and his party resumed their journey. Tsunade, observing Kazuhiko's actions, remained silent.

"Tsunade, I want to change the world. The normal world shouldn't be like this," Kazuhiko finally spoke one evening as they sat down to eat.

"Well, I believe in you," Tsunade responded without asking for an explanation, her eyes showing a hint of affection.

From that day on, Tsunade's gaze toward Kazuhiko carried a different warmth.

"Finally, we've arrived!" Kazuhiko exclaimed, gazing at the towering gates of Konoha. The three elders by his side stretched and expressed their relief. The journey had been long and tiring, and they were eager to rest.

The other members of the Uzumaki clan and Konoha shinobi were equally jubilant about reaching their destination. "Yes, we're finally here! I'm exhausted from the journey; now we can finally rest."

However, Kazuhiko and Tsunade exchanged regretful glances. 

Soon, Tsunade succumbed to Kazuhiko's intense gaze, blushing and turning her head away.

"Let's go. All Konoha shinobi can return home directly, and as for everyone from the Land of Whirlpools, let's report to Lord Hokage first, and he'll arrange your accommodations," Tsunade announced as she handed entry and exit documents to the Konoha shinobi who were guarding the gate.

"Alright, let's go," Kazuhiko nodded, following Tsunade's lead and walking away under the curious gazes of the Konoha shinobi.

"That's Kazuhiko, truly a genius from the Land of Whirlpools! His presence is something else!" remarked one of the shinobi.

"Yes, I felt nervous in his presence."

"But according to the document I just received from the Uzumaki clan, he's already the clan head..."

"Really? Such a young clan head, that's truly remarkable..."

Tsunade and Kazuhiko exchanged smiles. After spending so many days together, Tsunade knew that Kazuhiko was already the clan head.

"Welcome to Konoha, Uzumaki Clan Head. Your name is Kazuhiko, right? I'm the Third Hokage," an elderly man with a kind smile greeted them at the Hokage Building's entrance.

It was Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage.

Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen's friendly demeanor, Kazuhiko sensed that this person was not one to be taken lightly, and he must approach their conversation carefully.

"Hello, I'm the new head of the Uzumaki clan, Kazuhiko. Third Hokage, nice to meet you," Kazuhiko greeted Third Hokage with a composed expression, neither overly enthusiastic nor resistant.

Kazuhiko regained his usual air of dignity and composure.

"I'm not sure how Konoha plans to accommodate us. We've just arrived, and everyone is a bit tired and eager to rest," Kazuhiko stated plainly, avoiding prolonged conversation with the Third Hokage.

Third Hokage was taken aback for a moment, not expecting such a direct response. 

"Well, originally, I arranged accommodations at the guest house in Konoha for you. You can go there to rest," Third Hokage replied, maintaining his calm demeanor.

"Actually, there's a slight issue. I rarely leave my clan, and I'm not particularly fond of staying in hotels," Kazuhiko paused deliberately.

"Oh, I see. Does the Uzumaki clan head have other preferences? Please, share your thoughts," Third Hokage inquired with raised eyebrows.

"We are a group of 31 people, and we haven't seen clan Mito in a long time. I wonder if we could stay near the Senju family so that we can visit Grandma Mito every day," Kazuhiko proposed as though it were a spontaneous idea.

Third Hokage cast a knowing glance at Tsunade, who stood beside Kazuhiko. 

"Very well then. Since your group is not too large, you can indeed stay with the Senju clan. I believe there are enough vacant rooms for all of you in the Senju clan. Tsunade, what do you think?" Third Hokage asked, seemingly considering something.

"Teacher, I agree. During their stay in Konoha, let the Land of Whirlpools's people reside with the Senju clan," Tsunade replied, her eyes gleaming with happiness, and she nodded confidently.

Third Hokage noticed the joy in Tsunade's eyes but refrained from commenting. He simply nodded in agreement.

"Tsunade, please ensure the safety of the Land of Whirlpools's VIPs, particularly Clan Head Kazuhiko. Take this responsibility seriously," Third Hokage instructed.

"Yes, Teacher."

"Thank you, Third Hokage," Kazuhiko added before turning away with his Uzumaki clan, bidding farewell to the three Hokage. They left without entering the Hokage Building.

Third Hokage watched them depart, his eyes reflecting a growing interest in Tsunade, who walked alongside Kazuhiko.

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